ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Lawrence Dority took the stand in his own defense and appeared very emotional as he answered questions during his trial concerning the fatal shooting of former Orlando Magic player Adreian Payne.
During his testimony, Dority broke down while responding to a question about how many shots he fired, tearfully saying, “I just want to go home.”
Dority maintained that he was acting in self-defense to protect himself and his family during the incident that led to Payne’s death.
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Payne, who played for the Orlando Magic during the 2017-2018 season, was shot and killed outside a townhouse complex off Curry Ford Road in 2022. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Payne was in his car when deputies arrived at the scene.
Dority described his state of mind on the stand, stating, “I was thinking I was going to die.”
When asked why he felt that way, Dority explained, “He’s outside my house, and he said he’s going to smoke me.”
Investigators reported that Payne was attempting to assist a woman involved in a domestic dispute on May 9, 2022. The dispute allegedly involved Dority and his girlfriend. Dority claims self-defense, but authorities have indicated that Payne was not holding a weapon.
The prosecution argued against Dority’s claim of self-defense, stating there was no imminent danger to him. During questioning, Dority confirmed Payne did not follow him inside his house, Payne remained at his car while Dority retreated to his house.
When pressed about not calling 911 and instead arming himself, Dority responded he did not think calling authorities was necessary at that moment.
The trial is set to resume tomorrow, with jury instructions expected first thing in the morning.